Over the last decade there has been a huge concerted effort by doctors, public health officials, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and even celebrities to destigmatize mental illnesses and expand access to mental healthcare. And that effort is really paying off. Today, more people than ever are comfortable talking about their mental health. And while traditional mental healthcare can still be difficult for a lot of people to access, innovative online counseling platforms like Cerebral are picking up the slack, making it easier than ever for people to get the professional help they need.
Of course, it’s natural to be skeptical of new things. When telehealth options first started popping up, mental health experts wondered how effective they would actually be. However, all the research has shown extremely positive results. In 2014, for example, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that online treatment was just as effective in treating depression as face-to-face treatment. Another 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was an effective and affordable way to treat anxiety disorders. And a 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
In short, if you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health or emotional wellness, you really should take a look at your online options. That being said, not all online therapy platforms are the same. Some are simply designed better than others, giving patients more control over their treatment options.
The Cerebral Advantage
Cerebral is a comprehensive online mental health service designed to help people overcome the roadblocks associated with traditional mental healthcare. Unlike some services that just provide online counseling, Cerebral takes a one-stop approach to mental healthcare, supporting you through every step in the process. What that means is that in addition to online counseling, Cerebral also provides access to fully licensed healthcare providers who can actually help you manage your medications. Then, if needed, they’ll even ship prescriptions right to your door. And everything is included with the price of your subscription.
Cerebral’s comprehensive model is designed for long term care for people 18 or older who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or insomnia and believe they may benefit from treatment. Cerebral providers may also be able to treat bipolar disorder, depending on severity and the types of medications required. However, Cerebral is not suitable for people suffering from mental health issues such as schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse issues.
How Cerebral Online Counseling Works
To get started with Cerebral, the first thing you do is complete their free emotional assessment form. This helps their experts get an idea of the symptoms you are experiencing. After that, you’ll choose from one of three different subscription plans and get started.
Cerebral’s Medication + Basic Care plan is for people who know they need medication, but only require occasional counseling. With this plan, after you complete your assessment you’ll have a video or phone visit with your prescribing provider who will help you determine your course of treatment and provide monthly follow-up appointments. You will also be able to schedule monthly appointments with your Care Counselor who will discuss your progress, offer support, and teach you valuable skills such as mindfulness. And all appointments can be easily managed on Cerebral’s smartphone app.
Cerebral’s Medication + Therapy Plan is for people who need a little more support. This plan gives you everything you get in the Medication + Basic Care plan, but instead of monthly sessions with a Care Counselor, you’ll get weekly online meetings with a licensed therapist. You will be matched with a list of therapists based on your assessment, and you can choose which one you think is right for you. You can also switch therapists at any time if you feel you need a change.
Last but not least there is Cerebral’s Therapy Plan for those who don’t need medication to manage their issues. With this plan, you will meet weekly with your therapist, but you will not meet with a prescribing provider.
Listen To What Cerebral Users Are Saying
Wondering if Cerebral is right for you? Take a look at what some of their users have to say:
”My prescribing doctor helped me think through if medication was right for me, and my care counselor responds really quickly when I have questions about side effects and more. I also love that Cerebral didn’t try to push hardcore medications on me for my insomnia. My treatment plan is working well so far, so I recommend Cerebral —Alana J..
”I used to take time off work to spend hundreds of dollars to see a psychiatrist, who barely remembered my name. Now, my doctor at Cerebral really cares about me and listens to me. I just really feel heard. AND, they send my meds directly to my door, and my care counselor is on it whenever I’m struggling despite the meds.” —April D.
”What an easy way to access really awesome care. Cerebral makes it easy - and my doctor and care counselor really care about me. When I first signed up, I thought it would be all about medication, but my Care Counselor Steven has showed me techniques like deep breathing exercises that really calm me down when I’m having a hard time.” —Diana L.
If you or someone you know is struggling with things like anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Cerebral’s innovative model for online care seems to be working for a lot of people. Why not click here and see if it will work for you, too?
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